Chapter 4 - The Boardroom Fire
In New York, the sun rose over a city that felt like a war zone to Daniel Harrison.
At 8:00 AM, the executive boardroom of Harrison Freight Systems was packed. The heads of international shipping, legal counsel, and the foundation directors sat around the forty-foot glass table, murmuring over the morning press clippings.
The heavy mahogany doors flew open.
Daniel entered, looking like a man who hadn't slept in a week. His tie was loosened, dark shadows bruised the skin beneath his bloodshot eyes, and his jaw was covered in dark stubble. Behind him walked David Vance, the most formidable private investigator on the East Coast.
"Daniel, thank goodness you're here," Vanessa said, rising from her chair with a portfolio. "The public relations release regarding last night's gala is ready for your signature. We also need to address the rumors circulating about Amy's early departure—"
"You're fired, Vanessa."
The room went dead silent.
Vanessa froze, her smile faltering. "Excuse me?"
"You are stripped of your position as PR director of the foundation, effective immediately," Daniel said, his voice flat, devoid of emotion. "Your building access is revoked. Your corporate credit cards have been cancelled. Security will escort you from the premises within fifteen minutes."
Vanessa’s face flushed crimson with humiliation. "Daniel, you can't do this! We have contracts! What happened between us—"
"Nothing happened between us," Daniel cut in, leaning over the table, his knuckles turning white against the glass. "And that was my greatest mistake—allowing you to create the illusion that something did. I let you whisper in my ear, I let you send inappropriate messages, and I allowed my wife to believe I had replaced her. Pack your desk."
Vanessa looked around the table for support, but every executive averted their eyes. Trembling with rage, she grabbed her handbag and stormed out of the boardroom.
May you like
Daniel turned to the rest of the board. "Every meeting on my calendar for the next ninety days is cancelled. Turn over daily operations to my COO. If anyone signs a document without my mother’s counter-signature, they will be terminated."
He turned to the private investigator. "David. Find my wife."
